The Diamond T Motor Car Company was founded in Chicago in 1905 by C. A. Tilt. Reportedly, the company name was created when Tilt's shoe-making father fashioned a logo featuring a big "T" (for Tilt) framed by a diamond, which signified high quality. The company's hood emblem on trucks was a sled dog in harness. From its beginnings manufacturing touring cars, the company later became known for its trucks. By 1967, as a subsidiary of White Motor Company, it was merged with Reo Motor Company to become Diamond Reo Trucks, Inc.

19281929 brought major mechanical improvements across the entire range. A closed cab with doors was introduced. All-wheel hydraulic drum brakes were used. Six-cylinder engines were available from Continental and Hercules for heavy trucks and a four-cylinder Buda powered light trucks. All trucks had geared-differential rear axles. By 1929 there were chassis load ratings (the weight of the body and payload) up to 12 tons (10,900 kg) on three axles. In 1933 a new all-steel covered cab with doors and roll-up windows was introduced. In a 1935 model year style change it had been improved with a "streamlined" V-style windshield. This cab would be used on commercial and military trucks until replaced in 1951. In 1935 the trucks were also improved mechanically and new models were introduced. They developed through the rest of the 1930s. Production of commercial trucks was stopped for military production in 1942. Diamond T ranked 47th among United States corporations in the value of World War II military production contracts. A small number of commercial trucks began to be built in 1944 and more in 1945. In 1946, the first year of full commercial production, there were five models, in 1947 there were fourteen.

Diamond T Trucks are the most desirable and collectible Trucks from the Pre War era. Their exceptional build quality and stylish appointments set them apart from other trucks of the era.

This Diamond T Paddy Wagon was acquired in the 90s by a leading collection in Dayton OH and restored to top show standards in the spirit of the "Black Mariah" a Heavy Duty Dual Purpose "Emergency" vehicle used in Dayton in period that was very similar in appearance and function to this Paddy Wagon. Purchased in 1927, it was used for both Prisoner and Ambulance duty for many years. This Paddy Wagon was originally purchased by the Forest Park, IL Police Department and used for many years there. Forest Park is a short distance from Cicero, IL; the hometown of Notorious Chicago Gangster Al Capone. Its not too much of a stretch to assume that Mr. Capone spent some time in the back of this Paddy Wagon.

Finished in a flawless Black with lots of Gold Leaf lettering and a manually operated bell, the truck features the heavy duty Artillery wheels and the Hercules 6. Along with nicely refinished Oak trim and exposed wood body structure, the Paddy Wagon features bench seating in the rear, and chain shackles at the front of the rear cabin. A period Stretcher comes with the truck.
Used sparingly since restoration and fresh out of Museum Display for the past several years, this truck will require minor recommissioning prior to extended driving.